34 HEALTH AND SANITATION
• Respiratory protection : wear a NIOSH-approved N95 facemask .
• Liquid-repellent coveralls ( such as Tyvek ): to keep human waste or sewage off skin and clothing .
• Rubber outer gloves : to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage .
• Nitrile inner gloves : to prevent exposure when removing PPE and cleaning tools .
• Rubber boots : to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage .
Mechanical tradespeople working near plumbing vents and rooftop HVAC equipment , specifically exhaust fans , should also be provided proper PPE , training on how to properly use the PPE , and handwashing facilities .
The following PPE is recommended for HVAC workers working near plumbing vents and rooftop HVAC equipment , specifically exhaust fans :
• Safety glasses with face shield : to protect eyes and mouth from aerosol transmission of the virus .
• Respiratory protection : wear a NIOSH-approved N95 facemask or half-face respirator with HEPA filters to protect from inhalation of aerosol transmission .
• Protective suits / coveralls ( such as Tyvek ): to protect against aerosol transmission .
• Cut resistant outer gloves : to protect from cuts and tears to inner glove .
• Nitrile inner gloves ( 6 mil thickness or greater ): to prevent exposure to liquids and when removing PPE and cleaning tools .
• Disposable booties : to prevent potential contamination of work boots .
After completing work , the following procedures protect the worker and occupants of the building . Properly removing and securing the PPE ensures that the worker does not contact contaminated surfaces while also not allowing the transmission of airborne contaminants .
• Complete cleaning of tools and equipment . See guidelines below .
• Remove suit and gloves by rolling inside out , being careful not to come in contact with any contaminated surfaces .
• Immediately after removing PPE , place in a plastic bag that can be sealed .
• Wash hands , arms and face ( in that order ) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds .
• Keep your PPE clean by following manufacturer instructions carefully .
Good work area and tool cleaning practices are also extremely important . The following procedures will protect the worker while also disinfecting the area , which in turn protects the occupants of the building .
• Avoid sharing tools with coworkers to the greatest extent possible .
• When choosing cleaning chemicals , look for cleaning agents effective against viral pathogens .
• If such cleaning agents are not available , use soap and water and dry tools thoroughly after use . You may also use bleach solution by diluting 1 parts household bleach with 10 parts water – spray onto surfaces or soak items in solution .
• EPA ’ s ( www . epa . gov ) List N : Disinfectants for Use Against SARS- CoV-2
If working in a health care facility , the Infection Control Risk Assessment ( ICRA ) programme for the facility must be followed regarding anterooms , wearing and removal of PPE , and cleaning of tools . It may be necessary to provide isolation and negative pressure to protect the building ’ s occupants .
The CDC recommends that workers perform the following preventive / protective actions , generally and while at work :
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately after working on a sanitary waste and vent system .
• Avoid touching face , mouth , eyes , nose , or open sores and cuts while working on a sanitary waste and vent system .
• After working on a sanitary waste and vent system , wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking .
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using the toilet .
• Before eating , remove soiled work clothes and eat in designated areas away from human waste and sewage-handling activities .
• Do NOT smoke or chew tobacco or gum while working on a sanitary waste and vent system .
• Keep open sores , cuts and wounds covered with clean , dry bandages .
• Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage contacts eyes .
• Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage .
• Wear rubber boots .
• Remove rubber boots and work clothes before leaving worksite .
• Clean contaminated work clothing daily with 0.05 % chlorine solution ( 1-part household bleach to 100 parts water ).
• Clean and disinfect tools and equipment used .
It is important to follow social distancing recommendations . Try to keep a minimum six-foot distance between others . Wear a mask . Remember , it could take anywhere from two to 14 days for COVID-19 symptoms to appear , if they even appear at all . If you believe you have contracted the virus , stay home , contact your supervisor , and seek assistance from your medical provider .
All tradespeople should receive training on disease prevention . The training should include information on basic hygiene practices , use and disposal of PPE , and proper protection when working on drain , waste and vent systems or HVAC systems . Workers must also be urged to promptly seek medical attention if displaying any signs or symptoms of the virus , such as such as vomiting , stomach cramps and watery diarrhea . Workers should not report to work if they are feeling ill . This puts coworkers and other building occupants at risk .
It is recommended that tradespeople be trained and certified to ASSE / IAPMO / ANSI Series 12000 . ASSE Series 12000 , Professional Qualifications Standard for Water Management and Infection Control Risk Assessment for Building Systems , is a standard that sets minimum criteria for the training and certification of pipe trades craftspeople , contractors , and other construction and maintenance personnel on how to safely work in an environment with the potentially deadly diseases that may be present within worksites .
As with every catastrophe , we adapt , and essential workers keep society moving forward . We have learned a lot from this pandemic — we have learned how to better protect ourselves and others from harm . With these lessons and all we have learned from the past ; we are equipped to move forward and meet the next challenges ahead . At the end of the day , two statements hold true : one is that the plumbers protect the health of the nation . Secondly , essential workers place themselves at risk during a crisis and should have the ability , through training and PPE , to return home safely . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline April 2024 Volume 30 I Number 2